updated 07:10 pm EDT, Tue July 7, 2009
REALbasic 3 Released
REAL has updated its cross-platform tools for application development, REALbasic and REAL Studio. Release 3 boasts more than 100 improvements and 31 new features, including OpenGL support for faster creation of 3D applications compared to traditional C-programming methods. The software is used to create programs for Mac, Windows or Linux operating systems, using both BASIC computing languages and visually-designed interfaces.
Although OpenGL integration is designed to reduce development time, the OpenGLSurface controls do require a background knowledge of the language. To combat programming difficulties, several open-source projects implement a RB3D-compatible API on top of OpenGL. The tools allow developers with RB3D experience to work with a familiar language.
The Personal edition is intended for individuals creating software for themselves, with support for a single platform. A Professional version adds the ability to create software from any platform from any platform, along with support for decrypting classes, encrypting classes, database server connectivity and remote debugging, among others. REAL Studio provides a code-optimization profiler, IDE scripting, unlimited server-connection licenses and priority technical support.
REALbasic and REAL Studio can be purchased directly from the company, with the Personal version available for $100 for a new license. REALbasic Professional carries a price of $300, while REAL Studio includes one year of updates and costs $1500.